SALEM, Ore. — The State House passed a bill on Wednesday meant to help many low-income seniors keep their homes.

In 2011, the Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program was cut because of the poor housing market. It’s a program that allows low-income seniors to defer their annual property taxes until they move, die, or sell their homes.

The bill passed in the House on Wednesday would reinstate homeowners who were disqualified solely because they had reverse mortgages. Once enacted, 1,400 senior citizens and disabled Oregonians are expected to re-enter the tax deferment program.